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Impacts of Ambient Temperatures on Pediatric Anemia in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Regional Ecological Study
Muhammad A Saeed1,2, Adeena Zaidi2,3, Mohammad R Saeed2
1Department of Advanced Academics, Johns Hopkins University, Washington, DC 20001, USA.
Insights
Ambient temperatures impact pediatric anemia in Africa differently by region. Central and Southern Africa show increased risk with higher temperatures, while Western and Eastern regions are negatively affected, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pediatric Epidemiology
- Climate Change Impact
Background:
- Pediatric anemia is a significant health concern in sub-Saharan Africa, linked to infectious diseases, nutritional deficiencies, and socioeconomic factors.
- Known burdens include childhood stunting, reduced cognitive function, and diminished school performance.
- The specific influence of climatic factors, like ambient temperatures, on pediatric anemia in this region is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between ambient temperatures and pediatric anemia across different regions of Africa.
- To identify region-specific risks and inform targeted public health interventions.
- To provide evidence for policymakers and stakeholders addressing anemia within the framework of WHO sustainability goals.
Main Methods:
- A population-based study analyzing data from 43 African countries between 2000 and 2019.
- Utilized generalized linear regression models to assess associations, controlling for relevant covariates.
- Examined region-specific effects of ambient temperatures on pediatric anemia.
Main Results:
- Significant regional variations in the association between ambient temperatures and pediatric anemia were observed.
- Central and Southern African regions exhibited a positive association: higher temperatures correlate with increased anemia risk.
- Western and Eastern African regions showed a negative association: higher temperatures correlate with decreased anemia risk.
Conclusions:
- Ambient temperature is a significant, regionally variable factor influencing pediatric anemia in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Findings necessitate tailored interventions considering the distinct climatic-anemia links in different African regions.
- This research supports the development of climate-sensitive public health strategies to combat pediatric anemia.
Abstract:
Anemia has been a growing concern for the pediatric population in sub-Saharan Africa. Emerging risk factors for anemia under five years of age in low-income countries are multifaceted, including infectious diseases, nutritional deficiencies, hidden hunger, and various economic determinants, and its health burdens include childhood stunting and reduced cognitive function diminished school performance in children. However, the influence of climatic factors, particularly ambient temperatures, on pediatric anemia remains understudied. In this population-based study, we assess the region-specific associations between pediatric anemia and ambient temperatures in 43 countries in Africa from 2000 to 2019. Using generalized linear regression models (upon adjusting for covariates), we found that the risk of temperatures on pediatric anemia varies across four African regions, whereby the Central and Southern African regions have a positive association between pediatric anemia and ambient temperatures, and Western and Eastern regions are negatively affected. The study aims to provide evidence to stakeholders to curtail the onset of pediatric anemia in high-risk African regions to set up key interventions based on the sustainability goals set by the World Health Organization.
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